International programmes in Southland schools

There are seven schools in Southland offering programmes for international students as part of the Education Southland initiative.

The Education Southland initiative has been set up to help international students, their parents and education agents assess the quality of Southland’s education. It involves many schools, the Southern Institute of Technology, and Venture Southland , Southland’s local economic and community development agency.

Eight great reasons to study in Southland

World class education
Wide variety of education options
Excellent support network for students
Safe and welcoming community
Great range of real New Zealand experiences available, such as outdoor activities
Affordable fees and living costs
English is an official language of New Zealand
High quality and secure homestay environments

Student life in Invercargill is great. I like the fact it is easy to get around and that I can walk to school. I have met so many people from many different countries and everyone is so friendly

- Napasorn Khanom, current international student from Thailand

Southland Boys’ High School, Invercargill

Southland Boys’ High School in Invercargill caters to over 1000 Year 7 - Year 13 boys, with a solid reputation built over 127 years as a traditional school with a contemporary heart. Southland Boys’ High offers a wide curriculum of sport, music, technology and academic programmes for all learning capacities.

Learn about Southland Boys High School.

Southland Girls’ High School, Invercargill

Known for good practices and consistently high standards, Southland Girls’ High School is home to over 1,100 students from Year 7 - Year 13, including boarders at Enwood House. Its facilities are innovative, promoting informal and structured learning. Southland Girls’ offers an international programme that averages 25 students per year.

Learn about Southland Girls High School.

James Hargest College, Invercargill

James Hargest College provides secondary education to around 2000 students, featuring a Junior Campus (Years 7-8) and a Senior Campus (Years 9-13). The Junior Campus has a recently built technology block and a modern library for the Senior Campus. Known for its physical pursuits, Hargest’s alumni includes many Olympians and World Championship sportspeople.

Learn about James Hargest College.

Fiordland College, Te Anau

Fiordland College is situated in the lakeside town of Te Anau, which is on the edge of the scenic Fiordland National Park World Heritage Area and popular tourist attractions, Milford Sound and Queenstown. International students aged 10-19 years have been attending Fiordland College for many years on both short- and long-term programmes. Students live with selected homestay families and there is a strong emphasis on environmental and outdoor education.

Learn about Fiordland College.

Central Southland College, Winton

Central Southland College in the small farming community of Winton provides learning programmes for students aged 13-18 years with under 500 students. International students live with carefully selected homestay families and have ready access to the director of international students. In this pleasant rural environment the emphasis is on academic achievement and the cultural, sporting and social development of all students. Winton’s central location provides easy access to outdoor activities across Southland.

Learn about Central Southland College.

St Peter’s College, Gore

Located in the town of Gore with a population of 8,500, St Peter’s College is a small Catholic co-educational school that provides a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment to help all students reach their potential. You will be welcomed into our school and encouraged to become involved in the extensive range of school activities. English language tuition is available through small ESOL classes, individual ESOL tutoring as well as through a subject support system. St Peter’s is known for its family oriented school boarding house that caters for 65 students.

Learn about St Peter’s College.

Waihopai School

Waihopai School is a well-resourced primary school with 350 students situated alongside Invercargill’s beautiful Queens Park and caters for children from 5-12 years. The school boasts large grounds and neighbours Southland Boys’ High School. Waihopai school offers homestay accommodation and long term hostel accommodation. Individual programmes are offered to support your child’s English language development.

Learn about Waihopai School.